Undergraduate Program

Graduate Program

Learning Objectives

The chemistry Bachelor's degree program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) division of Chemical Education. The most recent certification can be accessed here. The full set of data provided to the ACS for certification can be found here. Because the ACS does not have a certification program for biochemistry degrees, our Biochemistry program is designed to meet guidelines of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for such programs. Differences in learning objectives for our Chemistry and Biochemistry BS programs reflect the respective guidelines of the ACS and ASBMB certification programs.

Chemistry Learning Objectives

The goal of both the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate programs is to equip students with the fundamental knowledge in the diverse fields of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical) and Biochemistry. In addition, students learn how to think like a scientist; that is, to understand the scientific method in the context of chemistry and biochemistry. Our undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research early in their program, first as laboratory assistants and eventually moving on to their own research projects. Many undergraduates in the department are able to co-author research papers. This gives students a competitive advantage when they apply to graduate or professional programs, or enter the job market.

A correlation of learning objectives for individual courses has been developed and is based upon recommendations of the American Chemical Society degree certification program. Student success in these specific course based learning objectives is evaluated for all graduating seniors via an exit examination (see assessment page for more details).

A broader set of program-focused learning objectives for each of the department’s undergraduate degree programs is as follows:

Senior chemistry majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate a mastery of factual knowledge comprehensively across the five principal areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, biochemistry and analytical), and be able analyze and solve problems, understand relationships, and interpret scientific facts and data.

Learning Objective 2

Senior chemistry majors by the time of graduation will have proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and laboratory safety; have experience with modern lab instrumentation and experience working as a member of a team.

Learning Objective 3

Senior chemistry majors by the time of graduation will be able to communicate (written and oral) scientific information to chemists and non-­chemists.

Biochemistry Learning Objectives

The goal of both the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate programs is to equip students with the fundamental knowledge in the diverse fields of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical) and Biochemistry. In addition, students learn how to think like a scientist; that is, to understand the scientific method in the context of chemistry and biochemistry. Our undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research early in their program, first as laboratory assistants and eventually moving on to their own research projects. Many undergraduates in the department are able to co-author research papers. This gives students a competitive advantage when they apply to graduate or professional programs, or enter the job market.

A correlation of learning objectives for individual courses has been developed and is based upon recommendations of the American Chemical Society degree certification program. Student success in these specific course based learning objectives is evaluated for all graduating seniors via an exit examination (see assessment page for more details).

A broader set of program-focused learning objectives for each of the department’s undergraduate degree programs is as follows:

Biochemistry Degrees (Based upon The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology recommended objectives for Biochemistry majors)

Learning Objective 1

Students should have general knowledge in both chemistry and biochemistry. We have used the recent recommendations of ASBMB in order to define what specific knowledge our Biochemistry majors should achieve.

Learning Objective 2

Students should have the ability of students to read, present, and analyze scientific literature and data.

Learning Objective 3

Students should have the ability to design experiments, choose and apply appropriate techniques to achieve a research goal, and demonstrate good quantitative skills.

Chemistry Teaching Major Learning Objectives

The goal of both the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate programs is to equip students with the fundamental knowledge in the diverse fields of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical) and Biochemistry. In addition, students learn how to think like a scientist; that is, to understand the scientific method in the context of chemistry and biochemistry. Teaching majors must also complete the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) in order to become state certified teachers.

A correlation of learning objectives for individual courses has been developed and is based upon recommendations of the American Chemical Society degree certification program. Student success in these specific course based learning objectives is evaluated for all graduating seniors via an exit examination (see assessment page for more details).

A broader set of program-focused learning objectives for each of the department’s undergraduate degree programs is as follows:

All Chemistry Degrees (Based upon the American Chemical Society recommended learning objectives for chemistry majors)

Learning Objective 1

Chemistry majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate a mastery of factual knowledge comprehensively across the five principal areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, biochemistry and analytical), and be able analyze and solve problems, understand relationships, and interpret scientific facts and data.

Learning Objective 2

Chemistry majors by the time of graduation will: have proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and laboratory safety; have experience with modern lab instrumentation and experience working as a member of a team.

Learning Objective 3

Chemistry majors by the time of graduation will be able to communicate (written and oral) scientific information to chemists and non-­chemists.

Additional Learning Objective Specific to The Chemistry Teaching Major

Learning Objective 4

Chemistry teaching majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate competency in the latest and most effective teaching methods. They will demonstrate the ability to access and utilize pedagogical resources by successfully completing the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) including coursework, clinical experiences, portfolio preparation and student teaching.

Physical Science Composite Teaching Major Learning Objectives

The goal of both the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate programs is to equip students with the fundamental knowledge in the diverse fields of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical) and Biochemistry. In addition, students learn how to think like a scientist; that is, to understand the scientific method in the context of chemistry and biochemistry. Teaching majors must also complete the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) in order to become state certified teachers.

A correlation of learning objectives for individual courses has been developed and is based upon recommendations of the American Chemical Society degree certification program. Student success in these specific course based learning objectives is evaluated for all graduating seniors via an exit examination (see assessment page for more details).

#1. Physical Science composite teaching majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate a mastery of factual knowledge comprehensively across the areas of general chemistry, organic chemistry, classical and modern physics.

#2. Physical Science composite teaching majors by the time of graduation will have proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and laboratory safety

#3. Physical Science composite teaching majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate competency in the latest and most effective teaching methods. They will demonstrate the ability to access and utilize pedagogical resources by successfully completing the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) including coursework, clinical experiences, portfolio preparation and student teaching.

#4. Physical Science Composite Teaching majors by the time of graduation will be able to demonstrate competency in the latest and most effective teaching methods. They will demonstrate the ability to access and utilize pedagogical resources by successfully completing the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) including coursework, clinical exeriences, portfolio preparation and student teaching.